R107 Cooling System & Service Overhaul: What to Replace and in What Order

The Mercedes-Benz SL R107 was built to last and it has. But 'built to last' doesn't mean 'never needs attention'. These cars are now between 40 and 55 years old, and the systems that keep them cool, fuelled, and running cleanly need periodic renewal regardless of how well they've been maintained.

This guide covers the core overhaul tasks: cooling system, ignition, fuel system, and brakes. Do them together on a high-mileage or newly acquired R107 and you'll have a solid, known baseline to work from.

Cooling system

The R107 cooling system is reliable by design but old coolant, cracked hoses, and a tired water pump are the most common causes of overheating. In the GCC climate, an overheating R107 is not an inconvenience it's a head gasket waiting to happen.

Start with the radiator hose set (upper and lower) rubber hoses from the 1970s and 80s have no business staying on the car. Replace the water pump at the same time; it's accessible once the hoses are off and the cost of a second coolant drain to do it later isn't worth it. Flush and refill with fresh coolant rated for aluminium components.

Ignition system

Early R107s run a points-based ignition system. Points wear and drift, causing hard starting, rough idle, and fuel waste. Replace the ignition points, distributor cap, and ignition wire set as a matched set. There's no logic in fitting a new cap to old wires, or new wires to worn points.

Fuel system

The R107's Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection is robust but age-sensitive. Common issues include a weak fuel pump, a failing fuel accumulator (which causes hot-start problems), and dirty or leaking fuel injectors. If you're getting hot-start difficulty or uneven idle, the accumulator is almost always the first suspect. Replace the oil filter while you're doing service work it takes ten minutes.

Brakes

R107 brake parts divide between early (pre-1980) and late (1980–1985) specifications confirm your year before ordering. A full brake refresh covers front pads, discs, and calipers, plus rear discs, pads, and handbrake shoes.

Front: the front brake disc and pad kit (early) or front brake pad set (late), plus the front caliper set if they're seizing or leaking. Rear: the rear disc, pad and handbrake shoe kit covers everything in one order. Replace the front and rear brake hoses if they're original rubber hoses from the 1980s are a liability.

Suspension and steering

While everything is accessible, check the front suspension. Worn lower ball joints and control arm bushings are the most common causes of imprecise steering and tyre wear on high-mileage R107s. The complete tie rod assembly is worth inspecting for play at the same time.

Early vs Late: know your car

The R107 ran from 1971 to 1989 with several specification changes along the way. Brake components, suspension geometry, and some engine parts differ between early and late cars. If you're not certain of your car's specification, use the chassis number to confirm before ordering. When in doubt, contact us we'd rather spend five minutes on a fitment check than handle a wrong-part return.

All parts are priced landed to the UAE. No hidden fees at checkout.